Method and system for compiling a consumer-based electronic database, searchable according to individual internet user-defined micro-demographics

ABSTRACT

A system and method for accessing actual human personal preference and opinion data, whose unique demographic parameters are defined by an individual Internet user. The system includes a computer linked to a specialized database that allows individual Internet users to supply and access human personal preference data according to trait and preference variable data input to the system. The data input to the system includes the personal traits and personal preferences of individuals, including feelings, opinions, issues and purchasing or commercial preferences. A data correlating program provides data sorting parameters that are defined by selected degrees of human trait and preference variables. Users, or those accessing the database for customized data results from the overall database, may, in turn, supply information to the database, or build a data profile, should they indicate that the data they seek pertains to individuals similar to themselves. With the present system and method, focus group data, or consumer preference sampling may be accomplished with immediacy and unrivaled relevance, as only users and members of selected relevance to the data solicitation might be contacted. Accordingly, discreet trait and preference specific groups of individuals that would be virtually impossible to locate and sample with typical focus group approaches are capable of being located and sampled with the present system and method.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/756,581, filed Jan. 8, 2001, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference, and claims priority from Application Ser. Nos.60/175,093, filed Jan. 7, 2000, 60/176,440, filed Jan. 14, 2000,60/189,060, filed Mar. 14, 2000, 60/212,663, filed Jun. 20, 2000, and60/226,672, filed Aug. 22, 2000, the contents of all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and method for referencingconsumer preference data and merchandise and service “popularity”according to human physical and emotional characteristics, traits andpersonal preferences. In essence an animate, or “HUMAN” cataloging andmethod/system for researching and locating purchasable items andpreference data, rather than an inanimate one. This system and methodwould preferably be Internet based, presented as a special Internetaddress and destination, comprising a “search engine,” or searchingmeans based on “searcher” or Internet user supplied human trait andpreference data parameters.

2. Description of the Related Art

Current “e commerce” or computer based electronically transactedbusiness options, and related inventions thereof, are limited in scopetypically with regard to the indexing and cataloging of merchandise andservices. Further, “search engines” familiar to Internet users, arelimited often to search results based on correlation between words orphrases submitted by the user, relative to those assigned to Internetaccessible sites and data banks.

In a society of individuals who make many decisions based on dynamics ofpersonal competition and success, and interpersonal comparison, the needfor a searching means to reference information based on traits andpreferences of other individuals, and groups of individuals, wouldclearly be valuable and of interest to many. The most compelling lure ofentertainment and advertising, is information about other individualsthat might be considered “private” or personal, whether they becelebrities or not. Television programs and advertising that is“revealing,” especially those focused to the negative feelings andoccurrences of others, are remarkably successful: “Rubber-necking” on ahighway also demonstrates the public's often macabre fascination withthe plight or misfortune of others. The same can be said with thepublic's fascination with the success of others, mostly relative totheir own circumstances and personal esteem.

The means to search personal preference and “feelings” data of actualindividuals, would allow the Internet user new options in discoveringthe behavioral and purchasing preferences of individuals similar tothemselves, or similar to a person or “type” of person relevant to theuser: Those of romantic interest to an internet user/searcher, and thosewho the Internet user may be competitive with, are two examples ofsearching parameter bases that may be relevant to a particularindividual searching via such newly available means. Further, peripheralareas of interest may be discovered by users as they discover selectedpersonal data about their designated “types” of people—leading Internetsearchers to revelations steered by the options displayed by such asystem and searching means.

For Internet advertising, the relevance of being able to target userdetermined and defined micro-demographics is invaluable. A searcher whohas defined their own dynamics demographically, in order to accomplishtheir search, could receive selected advertisements in editoriallyprepared formats, to maintain the highest degree of personal relevanceand potential interest, unlike the generally poorly focused myriad ofsolicitations broadcast to millions of Internet users and mail boxholders.

To date, all demographic specific devises on the Internet are geared to“sampling” and looking at the Internet users from the data-seekers'vantage point. The present invention addresses the interest and need ofthe Internet user to personally discover discreet demographic preferenceand behavioral data relative to their own personal objectives andinterests: An active demographic specific vehicle from the consumers'point of view, instead of a passive one where their activity and data issampled and they are categorized and solicited according to theinterpretation and interests of unseen others—typically larger Internetbased firms and advertisers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for referencingconsumer preference data and merchandise and service “popularity”according to human physical and emotional characteristics, traits andpersonal preferences. In essence an animate, or “HUMAN” cataloging andmethod/system for researching and locating purchasable items andpreference data, rather than an inanimate one. This system and methodwould preferably be Internet based, presented as a special Internetaddress and destination, comprising a “search engine,” or searchingmeans based on “searcher” or Internet user supplied human trait andpreference data parameters.

The present invention provides options for “users” or “searchers,”(those using the database,) to reference and compare other personaltraits and feedback from “members” (those having supplied the core datato the database,) allowing the database to serve as a source ofinformation for decision-making and correlation related to mattersbeyond the purchase of products and services: In essence, a “people”based Internet SEARCH ENGINE rather than a “things,” brand category ortypical word-correlating search engine.

In placing the control in the hands of the Internet searcher, theintrigue and interest in the options provided by the search enginegrows. The very demographic specific information that advertisers seek,is the same sort of information that individuals wish to know about eachother.

Further, the present invention in providing such discreet targetingresearch means for Internet users, Internet advertisers are reciprocallyempowered with new consumer targeting means, based on remarkablydiscreet demographic groupings based on consumer determined parameters.In building such a special database and search engine, advertisers arefurther advantaged editorially, as database information relevant totheir brand or industry can form the basis of “search relevant”factoids, which are in fact paid flash advertisements relayed when thefactoid information is deemed relevant to the searchers' informationquest.

Accordingly, a system and method for accessing actual human personalpreference and opinion data, whose unique demographic parameters aredefined by an individual Internet user is provided. The system includesa computer linked to a specialized database which allows individualInternet users to supply and access human personal preference dataaccording to trait and preference variable data input to the system.

The system contains a data correlating program which provides datasorting parameters that are defined by selected degrees of human traitand preference variables. Further, data pertaining to any one of thesetrait and preference variables may be assigned special program value,should special importance of the selected data be indicated by those whoaccess the database. Variables not provided by the system to theInternet user are preferably provided by the user as keyed-in, orotherwise subjectively supplied data that may be included in datacorrelation and reports for that user. Users, or those accessing thedatabase for customized data results from the overall database, may, inturn, supply information to the database, or build a data profile,should they indicate that the data they seek pertains to individualssimilar to themselves. The data they seek and supply pertains to theirpersonal traits and personal preferences, including feelings, opinions,issues and purchasing or commercial preferences.

With the system and method of the present invention, users may refinetheir demographic of choice within a search, by way of system providedoptions deemed to be standard options provided to users at selectedpoints within a search. Users may also refine their search byre-entering the demographic related trait and preference data,preferably by re-accessing Internet site screens already accessed withinthe same search, for input of revised demographic parameter data.

Further, the present system and method allows advertisers to targettheir information (products and services) with extreme specificity tousers, as the users themselves are defining the areas of demographicinterest. Advertisements may occur as editorial comments with Internetlinks, pertinent to data in the database specific to a products' orservices' sampling results. These “factoids” may be calculated andrelayed specifically to a single user who has met subjective system userrelevance criteria to receive selected advertising data results.Further, focus group data, or consumer preference sampling may beaccomplished with immediacy and unrivaled relevance, as only users andmembers of selected relevance to the data solicitation might becontacted. In other words, discreet trait and preference specific groupsof individuals that would be virtually impossible to locate and samplewith typical focus group approaches are able to be located by thepresent system and method.

Some important aspects and benefits of the present invention, includethat it provides:

-   -   A unique database of value to consumers, advertisers, brands and        other organizations seeking extremely discreet and quick,        specific and accurate consumer preference feedback.    -   A database which can be referenced with a virtually infinite        number of demographic options, from broad to remarkably        specific, with a large range of preference responses becoming        available. And, with the preferable ability to modify        micro-demographics being sampled based on user revisions of the        search based on selected preferences and opinions.    -   A searching innovation for consumers which will attract new        Internet users to any “parent site” preferably housing databases        based on the present invention.    -   The ability to cross-market, co-venture and/or couple with other        brand's sites, other e-commerce sites and other internet        properties in general, linking to and from by virtue of the        unique revelations and options that the invention creates for        both consumers and businesses.    -   New means for people to connect with the specific types of        people that can assist or benefit them in their unique, personal        and professional circumstances.

Revenue potential of Internet based resources involving the technologyof the present invention would likely be derived from options including:

-   -   LINKING from featured brands to brand sites or purchasing        options.    -   FEES for brand inclusions in pull-down screen options (pull down        screens provide “options.”)    -   ADVERTISING: Banners and “factoids” for brands when certain        areas of interest are explored (pop-up promos and information        related to the selected traits and/or preference data.)    -   SALE OF SPECIFICALLY SOLICITED data, requested by clients via        standard member data solicitation screens, or specific        short-term “pop up” data prompt screens/menus.    -   Attraction of new users to a parent site and that site's        services    -   The direct sale of selected items or revenue from linked sales        or referrals.    -   SALE OF DATA that is more comprehensive and not searchable on        the site by members.    -   FEES charged for relaying names of SEARCHERS and/or MEMBERS who        agree to have literature of mail forwarded from selected brands,        or brands within selected categories.    -   FEES to members to use the service and to email each other and        receive other site services reserved for members, potentially        offset by meeting data-supplying or site usage thresholds.    -   FEES to brands to be “multi-listed” or programmed to appear when        a MEMBER or SEARCHER references “suggestion” screens which may        list brands to consider in supplying accurate preference data.    -   ADVERTISERS can send ad messages within the CLOSED email system        with remarkable specificity, reaching their “dream” demographics        and audience, with the same ease and focus that MEMBERS do, with        their own personal messages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in thedrawings several forms which are presently preferred, it beingunderstood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the preferred sequence ofinteractive prompts, or Internet screens, presented to an Internet“searcher” or user, accessing the database of the present invention insearch of specific preference and opinion data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the preferred sequence ofinteractive prompts encountered by an Internet user who might besupplying data to the database of the present invention, resulting in aspecific data profile of that individual, in exchange for incentives.

FIGS. 3 through 16 illustrate the preferred interactive, Internetscreens encountered during a search utilizing the present system andmethod.

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred “sign in screen” related to aninteracting Internet site based on the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred Internet screen that would prompt a userto identify if data being sought might be related to themselves,allowing for the building of a profile of the searcher, based on thesearcher's own search parameters and interaction.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred solicitation for data from a usersearching the database, to sample the searchers toward completingdatabase relevant profiles of them, perhaps in exchange for the usefuldata supplied to them during their search.

FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred Internet screen prompting a user toprovide trait-related data defining the demographic, ormicro-demographic group of interest to that user for the search. Thescreen further prompts the user, selectively, to assign A, B or Cimportance to the traits they select, C being the highest degree ofimportance in this scenario.

FIG. 7 illustrates a secondary Internet screen prompt, requesting morediscreet data from a user for the searching parameters with regards to aselected demographic defining trait, in this instance, “demeanor.” FIG.7 further illustrates a FACTOID advertisement, or flash advertisementprovided in a database and user search relevant format to maintain thehighest degree of relevance for the user. Linking means are alsoprovided in this example, to the site of the advertiser who has beenfeatured in this FACTOID deemed relevant enough to present to thisInternet user, based on their feedback through the system to this point.

FIG. 8 demonstrates interactive variables that may be provided to usersin further defining the demographic, or micro-demographic of relevanceto their searching needs. In this scenario, options including narrowingthe sample group based on the user supplied trait variable parametersbased on a selected number of database profiles (or people,) or aselected percentage of the total database deemed by system parameters tobe most similar to the user-defined micro-demographic. Further, theoption to further narrow the sampling based on secondary variables, suchas those database profiles that include photos or visual data, isdemonstrated. FIG. 8 further demonstrates a menu for selecting itemsavailable for redemption with points accrued from an incentive programdesigned to solicit data in to the database from users, in exchange forredeemable points, or the like. This demonstrates the promotion of thedata accrual needs of the database, to grow and evolve it in to a morediscreet and comprehensive Internet user and advertiser resource.

FIG. 9 illustrates a preferred interactive Internet screen that wouldallow users to define the areas of opinion and/or preference informationpersonally relevant to that user pertaining to the demographic groupthat user has already defined by providing trait and/or otherdemographic defining parameters. FIG. 9 further demonstrates thecontinual options provided to users, such as redefining theirdemographic of interest, sending mail to their uniquely defineddemographic among other Interactive options to maintain the user as theone controlling both the search parameters and the direction of thesearching process. In FIG. 9, the user has selected “music” as an areaof preference data interest.

FIG. 10 illustrates a FACTOID presented by the system to this particularuser, based on a system determination that the user supplied data tothis point in the search warranted this particular data FACTOIDfeaturing this particular advertiser and link, to be relayed to thisuser. This FACTOID further demonstrates the preferred format and levelof trivia and user-relevant interest that these unique advertisingvehicles, tied to information from the database, may provide.

FIG. 11A illustrates a database correlation results report, detailingcurrent music preferences of the user-defined demographic grouping ofdatabase profiles, i.e., people. This Internet screen report furtherprovides interactive options to the user in defining the next stage oftheir search, including more discreet data related to the music resultsshowcased, and the option of displaying a selected number of actualdatabase “members,” or users who have profiles within the database, whomeet selected similarity criteria to the users' selected trait andpreference parameters.

FIG. 11B illustrates a selected “focus group” study prompt, provided tothis particular user, the user having met requirements to be consideredrelevant to the focus group data gathering needs. Naturally, thisservice and function of the present invention is a revenue aspect,allowing advertisers and brands to derive incredibly discreetdemographic specific feedback virtually immediately, by way of servicesbased on the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a scenario wherein the top ten database members, orindividual with both profiles and photo data within the database, aredisplayed. “Top ten” being defined by members meeting trait andpreference criteria supplied by the user in their search. FIG. 12further illustrates a FACTOID advertisement that appears when the userselects a member from the ten, who has a profile that allows selectivelyrelevant database information to be featured that is relevant to theuser now, because the user has shown interest in a specific databasemember, or profile, wherein the particular preference featured in thefactoid is an aspect of that member's feedback and profile. The furtheroption of reviewing information related to an entirely new demographicsampling, in this instance “people like Pete,” opens the option ofselectively relevant data being relayed to the user having the impact ofredefining the areas of search and preference curiosity for the user.

FIG. 13 illustrates a detailing of opinion and preference data theindividual member, or selected profile, contains. On selecting a newarea of preference interest, “cars,” prompted from the list of availabledata related to the selected member profile, in this scenario the userreceives the option of reviewing data from the users ORIGINALLY defineddemographic group in relation to the NEWLY selected preference/opinionvenue.

FIG. 14 details subsequent, more detailed “long form,” or keyed-infeedback within an individual database member profile that a user mayaccess. FIG. 14 further demonstrates a user selecting the systemsupplied prompt of reviewing the selected preference in relation to theoriginally defined demographic. This aspect is an illustration of thepreferred effect of user pro-activity and advertiser friendly systemprompts to users, creating an illusion of control for users over asearch that is steered by the system toward areas of revenue for thesystem and applications of the present invention, however subtle andcovert to not destroy the editorial integrity of the search relevance toa user.

FIG. 15 illustrates selected results in the selected preference area,“cars,” related to the user's originally defined demographic group ofinterest. Linking means to selected advertisers who appear within theoverall list of preference results is demonstrated as well, providingadded value to those brands over those who were listed but were notadvertisers, for example.

FIG. 16 details further system supplied prompted options for a user torefine their demographic of interest, and feedback venues or preferenceareas related to the groups selected and correlated. These optionsfurther demonstrate a balance between “editorial” and “advertising,” asoptions are provided to expand the proactive searching means for theuser, though the options provided may serve discreet and specific areasof interest for the system to “guide” a user, or users, for revenuepurposes.

FIG. 17 demonstrates a simple correlation between and user's trait-basedsearching parameters in defining a demographic, and the applicable datawithin a member's profile, in determining relevance of this particularmember to the search.

FIG. 18 illustrates one or more site processors, one or more userterminals and one or more supplier processors coupled together through acommunication network in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates functional elements of a site processor inaccordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Please note that in the foregoing description, the term “database”, whendescribed as performing a function or correlation, includes computingmeans which manage the database. The computing means includes a databaseand a database management system which receives, sorts, compiles andstores the individual personal trait and preference data in the databaseinto searchable records.

The system and method of the present invention provides the individualInternet user and searcher, (“user”) the option of entering oridentifying variables, including human traits, and othervariables/aspects familiar to the “human condition,” in searching forinformation of personal relevance. For instance, an Internet “shopper”might have curiosity about particular preferences or shopping data ofother “single women, gay, 18 to 24 years of age, “active” in demeanor,who is a DEMOCRAT politically, earning over $100,000 per year and whohas a very “optimistic” outlook or attitude.” This inquiry would beentered by way of a series of keyed in or “site provided” variableoptions (for example, by a pull-down menu such as that shown in FIG. 6),selectively input by the shopper or user and then referenced against theavailable database of “MEMBERS,” or people who have willingly anddirectly supplied personal preference data and screen names to thedatabase in exchange for incentives, or in exchange for data they soughtfrom the system (FIG. 2).

The intent of the Internet visitor may be determined when initiatinginteraction with sites based on the present invention (FIG. 3). On“signing in,” those searching for data, and those strictly supplying adata profile to the database for direct incentives, may be discerned.

Variable options not provided to the user pre-set, as in via “pull downscreens,” could selectively be keyed-in by the user for selectiveinclusion in the “search” should this keyed-in, or otherwise supplieddata variable be understood and usable by the database searching andcorrelation means. This “manually input” word or phrase recognitionoption would allow for ever-more discreet searches, allowing forcorrelation and similarity with members within the database to becomevery specific. Perhaps more importantly, when those users who aresearching the database for personally relevant, human interestinformation about a specific type of person (though they may not beusing the database to shop or purchase), may be presented during thesearch with a myriad of advertising and purchasing options relevant tothat user's search and demographic(s) of interest, thereby providingcommercial value to those SEARCHERS/database-users who are not directly“shopping”.

Users may refine their demographic of choice within a search, by way ofsystem provided options deemed to be standard options to provide tousers at selected points within a search (FIG. 16.) Users may alsorefine their search by re-entering the demographic related trait andpreference data, (FIG. 6,) preferably by re-accessing Internet sitescreens already accessed within the same search, for input of reviseddemographic parameter data.

A computer and program (FIG. 17) capable of correlating values of traitand preference parameters would accommodate selectively frequentrevisions of the selected group of database members relevant to a userat any particular point of their search: Revelations about selectedopinions or preferences might lead a user to revise a search based onnew interest in individuals who share that preference or aspect, (FIG.12.). The database members included within a demographic may also beaffected by other user-selected options, such as those affecting thescope of the group sampled, (FIG. 8.) Values assigned to the providedtrait options used to “define” the initial demographic whose preferencesare of interest to a user, might be affected by a variable degree ofimportance as selected trait might have to a user (FIG. 6.) For example,if weight is a critical aspect of the sampling, the user might selectthe highest importance option from several provided, giving this datamore weight in the computer correlation of this variable in selecting asampling from the database to analyze and relay to this particular user,as Internet transmitted data. A multitude of variables that a user mightselectively include in a search, would mean that correlating means wouldinclude predetermined, subjective thresholds of correlation relevancefor “members,” (those who have data profiles within the database,) to beincluded in any sampling relayed to a user that reflects a groupdetermined to be selectively similar to the user's demographic request.These predeterminations would be made by those who construct anyapplication of the present invention, for instance, a group that mightemploy the present system or method in creating a TEEN Internet site,which allows young people to search data of teens based on combinationsof traits defining a range of teens deemed to be of special interest tothe user.

Incentives could clearly be provided to members (FIG. 2) to encouragethe growth of the core database, such as direct rewards in cash orgifts, or the potential of incentive options. Incentives could be madeavailable specifically to the user as well for “offering back”preference data, (FIG. 8) to be incorporated in to the database of thesite related to the present invention—growing the database as it isused. Rewards need not be limited to these aspects though. In collectingspecific personal, trait, preference and merchandise data from selectedusers, ever more data cataloged and recallable by users according to thetraits of people and not things, may be compiled. Preferably, every usermight become a member, and could be encouraged to do so (FIG. 5.)

Objectives of the present invention are to provide new, discreetpersonal comparison means, and to provide new sources ofpurchasing/consumer information, by providing a forum for users to“relate” and identify with other specific types of people and consumers.Commercially, the present invention provides a “personal shopper” whichis preferably unique to every user, as the personal shopper is a single,unique member of the site, or site-presented conglomeration of membersfitting profiles deemed related to a user's data input and searchparameters. Further, advertising may be targeted with relevance to bothusers/searchers, and advertisers (FIGS. 7 and 10.)

In being able to reference human trait and personality variables, peoplewho the user/shopper may want to emulate, or not emulate, may bereferenced for instance; people similar to the user may also be sampled,allowing individuals to compare learn and compare to those who may sharetheir circumstances (FIG. 4.) This allows for unique learning about thethings, places and purchasable items they have, would want and prefer.Further, searching for understanding of individuals whose preferencesmay be foreign to the user, such as a young woman searching for a giftfor an older man, is facilitated by the present invention. Further,important personal decisions may become better informed by the “pulldown screen” and long form (written) feedback (FIG. 14) from people whobest relate to a user's circumstances, issues and “type” of persondesignated, from the overall database “membership.”

Advertisers may target their information with extreme specificity tousers, as the users themselves are defining the areas of demographicinterest. Advertisements may occur as editorial comments, pertinent todata in the database specific to a products' or services' samplingresults. These “factoids” may be calculated and relayed specifically toa single user who has met subjective system user relevance criteria toreceive selected advertising data results.

Further, focus group data, or consumer preference sampling may beaccomplished with immediacy and unrivaled relevance, as only users andmembers of selected relevance to the data solicitation might becontacted (FIG. 11.5.) Accordingly, discreet trait and preferencespecific groups of individuals that would be virtually impossible tolocate and sample with typical focus group approaches are capable ofbeing located and sampled with the present system. For example, a moviecompany might give a “bio” of a new film, and submit a question that thesystem would relay only to users who are women between 18 and 24 whoshow a particular interest in fashion and beauty, the question being:“Which of the following actresses would be most likely to get you in tothe theatre, should they play this role in this movie?” A write inoption could naturally also be provided, for unsupplied responseoptions. The result being, firms in every industry can solicit focusgroup information from remarkably targeted, and immediately accessibleconsumers.

The present invention provides a new level of Internet options andservice, based more on a “thinking” model than a “factual” model, whereabsolutes are not what is sought by users but information found betweenwho the user is (or the “type” of person they are shopping orresearching about,) and who those profiled in the database are, and whatand how they choose in the context of how they feel, look and behave.This invention is a “human search engine” of the Internet, and adatabase that allows the user, or SEARCHER, to search human preferencesand feedback, based on human traits and parameter options. Further, thisinvention provides the internet user the proactive control oversampling, instead of the familiar approach of the Internet world topassively sample Internet users based on their general activity on theweb, such as what sites they visit frequently, etc. This is a slow andinefficient means to learn from users who are able to proactivelyprovide discreet data about themselves, by seeking discreet data fortheir personal needs and reference. This is the function of the presentinvention.

In a preferred configuration, the “micro-demographic” of the USER orsearcher, is first determined through a trait-based selection process,(FIG. 6) wherein selected definitive and variable traits are selectedand ranked by the user by relevance and importance to that user'ssearch. The scope of the database similar to the parameters might beuser defined then, based on system-supplied options (FIG. 8.)Secondarily, the “preference” options of interest to that user (FIG. 9)are provided, to allow for very discreet areas of feedback to becompared about and within the users identified “trait basedmicro-demographic” of interest. In navigating a user's selected group's,or demographic's, preferences and feedback, options for continual“refinement” of the demographic being searched are selectively providedto “tailor” the group being studied to user priorities as they maychange during a single search.

Typical shopping means on the Internet currently include searches byproduct or service type, searches by brand name, and personal shopperassistance from a “helper” that is not necessarily defined by the user,unlike the present invention. By sharing preferences, opinions andpersonal observations about self and others in the context ofpurchasable items and general human interest information, a venue notonly for newly informed purchasing is created, but a forum for support,gift ideas, self-improvement and broader awareness of others among otherresults is also created. For instance, an overweight person embodyingcertain specific insecurities and physical circumstances, might find newideas of what to wear to address appearance concerns by referencingpeople with similar circumstances, and their recommendations,observations and preferences.

That same person might learn how other similar “overweight people” dealwith people who react negatively to “overweight” people; or how “thin”people feel about their own appearances, and the appearances of peoplethe consider to be “overweight.” Further, a new business woman withspecific physical and emotional traits, unsure of what to wear on thejob might find her best recommendations from business women whosefeedback and selections educate her to ways to advantage her in the newcircumstance, from those who have already experienced it. And, a youngwoman wondering whether to date a certain man can reference personalfeedback from both women like herself and men she deems to be similar toher potential date, for broader awareness of both perspectives indecision making; whether data is product and service related, or simplyselected personal and emotional feedback.

Perhaps more importantly, that person may have entered in to a searchwith “weight issues” on their mind initially, and ended up focusing onpeople who share a common travel interest, as an exciting range offeatured preferences and opinions of members, or profiles, may berevelations that steer a user in to new areas of interest, increasingcommercial versatility and reach of the invention for advertisers.

A vital aspect of the invention is the fact that the “MEMBERS” or thosepeople who have belong to the database of the present invention, havingwillingly, directly and proactively supplied data about themselves tothe database. By prompting SEARCHERS to “join,” discreetly or withincentives, or with the requirement to answer selected relevantquestions in order to further use the database, or to go to a deeperlevel in the database (such as to review long form, written feedbackfrom members,) the database of the present invention can be virtually“self feeding” for information. Further, as the SEARCHER or user isseeking true information, it is unlikely they will lie or deceive insupplying data to the database, as their mind-set, or “mode” will betruthful and to think to supply deceptive data while searching what theyanticipate is true data, is unlikely.

The additional option of still images and video (FIGS. 7 and 8) may beprovided by members as further personal “data” compiled within thedatabase is important. In being able to review still or motion visualcontent, or photos, or selected real people who have provided theseimages to the venue or site (perhaps in exchange for selected rewards,)the shopper/user can identify further those people of interest and thoseother consumers who's choices are of interest and relevance to theshopper/user in determining their own choices. In being able toreference as broad or as narrow a category of people to review, (those“most similar to the search parameters” for instance,) very discreet andemotionally based choices can be made by way of the options of thepresent invention, tapping in to variables more closely associated withself esteem, role model emulation and personal aspects of featuredpeople. Searches may include several “rounds” or refinements, wherein afinal stage of selection by a user in creating their micro-demographicof interest may include reviewing available photos, or responses inmanually input fields, for more specific member selection (FIGS. 12 and16). The option of excluding members (FIG. 8) who do not have photosavailable is selectively an option, to maintain interest for more visualsearchers/users.

On selecting a single member to review, including long-form feedbackavailable (FIG. 14), a search might be broadened from “self esteem”issues for example, to “car preferences,” wherein the searcher canbroaden the scope of the search at that point to sample his entire group(or originally designated trait-based micro-demographic), to reviewtheir overall preferences on the new topic by percentage (FIG. 16). Thisoption demonstrates the selectable versatility of searches of databasesof the present invention, as the choice to reference “car preferences”was prompted by the profile/feedback screen of a single member, who wasreferenced by the searcher/user based on an entirely separate area, ormotivation, of interest/curiosity.

Options in reviewing response data, specific to products and servicesfor instance, may include a correlation of both product “types” andbrands and/or styles within the selected micro-demographic identified bya user. For instance, within the trait data a user has input, 50 membersconstitute the top 1% of members most closely related to the user'sselections. The user is interested in seeing what cars his selectedmicro-demographic prefers (FIG. 15.)

The database is referenced by the site in response to the user's search,and the search result provided to the user confirms that 10 of the 50members in the 1% correlation group prefer SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES; onrequesting brand preference, the user is supplied with the informationthat 5 of those 10, or half, prefer the FORD EXPLORER, 2 of those 5 owna FORD EXPLORER, and 4 of the 10 prefer the color BLACK in a SPORTUTILITY VEHICLE. In another search, a user may determine that he wantsto use the top 100 members closest to his search parameters: of thesemembers, the user is curious what watches the group owns; the sitesearch of the database determines that the user-selectedmicro-demographic includes 92 members that own watches, of them the topbrand is ROLEX, of which 24% of the demographic owns, 35% of that 24%(who own Rolex's) own a PRESIDENTIAL model in Gold. In a more generalsearch regarding watches, the user also learns that his uniquely createddemographic prefers SPORT watches (52%) over any other category “type”of watch. “Long form data” review of a selected member (due to interestin her photo,) within the trait-group reveals to the searcher that thismember of special interest to him/her is feels that “people with goldwatches are often unfaithful to their spouses.”

Such multi-leveled searches may be configured according to percentage ofrespondents meeting a selected degree of correlation with a user's inputsearch data, (FIG. 17,) or a selected number of members coming closestto matching said user's data, or “bin” of members built by a user fromhis own personal criteria (unrelated to database means for correlation.)The means and options for correlation and member micro-demographicselection by a site referencing the database, or by a user, is virtuallyinfinite, much the way the entire database of the internet may bereferenced and cross-referenced in a multitude of ways, by way of searchengines that approach the task in a variety of different ways.

The consumer preference data collected by this site would be ofconsiderable value to many, as the discreet categories of traits andpersonal profile aspects could be as narrow as desired by thoseoperating site(s) and venues utilizing the options provided by thisinvention. Far more detailed than just age and “who bought what where”data, the present invention takes demographic data to an entirely newlevel. Specific, relevant questions may selectively be “purchased” byfirms needing feedback from the unique preference and/or trait-baseddemographics provided by databases of the present invention.

The present invention could further involve data to be provided based onsub “categories” determined directly by users/shoppers, by way of akey-in means, allowing for unlimited options to be relayed from users,for selected processing and categorizing based on correlation betweendata related to trait and human aspect categories offered directly byusers, not having been yet made available as a “pull down” or on-screenicon option. A demographic might even be identified by user's byrequesting members who identified a new sub-category manually, that hadnot been presented within supplied (pull down menu) options, forinstance (FIG. 6).

Further, the present invention could provide options including selectedprocessing of the data from users/shoppers, including the option ofpeople (specifically provided to review the database,) reviewing andcategorizing data from respondents according to parameters relevant tothe site needs, or venue needs, to define selected data-groupings ofmember feedback. In other words, human involvement in reviewing morecomplex data from members might provide additional sectors ofinformation within the database that might not have been categorized orincluded as they may have required human interpretation to be placedsubjectively in to a searchable bin, or data category.

A virtually infinite number of “micro-demographics” can be created andmade available for users to reference, with selected “narrowness offocus” in pin pointing groups and types of people; it is possible thatno two users may ever identify the same demographic in a search.

One very important aspect of the present invention is that applicationoptions based on this invention might allow for direct shopping, oritems actually purchased by way of site(s) featuring options created bythis invention, or such site(s) might refer users/shoppers to othersites via links, once preferences have been identified that have acorresponding site for more information and in some cases sites fortransacting purchases of items displayed in accordance with searches bytrait conducted by way of the method and system of the presentinvention. Links back to a site such as one(s) created based on thepresent art, could be made from vendors including in links from suchsite(s) based on this art, increasing the user base and providing aresearch and information service to consumers made available by thelinks from other sites. Listing brands as options and suggestions inboth searcher and member pull-down screen options, (FIG. 15) is saleableto advertisers and brands to be “out of site” is “out of mind,” so thedesire to be included in the database results could be very strong foradvertisers; links to their sites or purchasing means is secondarily apotentially saleable option as well (FIGS. 7, 10 and 15.) In identifyingspecial and perhaps unusual personal areas of interest, uniquelytargeted and formatted advertising opportunities may be created.

The present invention may provide a selectively “pure” database that inno way is biased toward any selected options or brands, or the databasemay allow for all possible selections, but provide greater visibilityand promotion of selected brands within user selected categories.Naturally, should the scenario be the latter, keyed-in options that maynot be a brand that is specially featured, may provide search optionslisting brands or options that were not within site-supplied names; inthis scenario, such a brand or name could be listed in the results,showing the degree of correlation; though, the inclusion of a link tothat brand or supplier's own site, or the provision of direct shoppingmeans of their items, or inclusion within pull down menus (due to abrand or name's popularity with members,) is at the option of thedatabase owner (FIG. 15.) Having said that, the option of sellingproducts and services, or providing other referral and informationservices directly to users and members is possible, is an aspect of thepresent invention, and is also an option of the database owner, or ownerof the site/searching means of a database based on the presentinvention.

The options of the present invention could be featured as the primaryand independent searching means in selected site(s) involving themethods or system herein, though they could also be incorporated asaspects of a conventional, existing or familiar e-commerce site,providing additional referencing latitude to the shopping and/orutilization of said site(s.) Thus, shopping could be done by product inthe familiar ways, such as by product category, and by way of thespecial trait and human profiling and characteristics the userselected/created micro-demographic referencing method of the presentinvention provides.

The application of sites that access a database based on the presentinvention also includes a myriad of options. For instance, a publishingcompany that owns several magazine titles, may have such a site. In thisscenario, promotions within their magazines might draw consumers to thesite, to become members and to provide core data to the database; thosenew members might receive selectively large incentives, whether gifts orwinning potential, based on the amount of data input, meaning thatselectively a member who supplies a photo or video of himself wouldqualify for more reward. Such a publisher might provide SELECTED brandsor clients within pull down screen (site presented) options to users, asthe owner of the site would have control over the categories of traitand preference data members and users receive as prompts from the site.

Further, the brands listed within commercially based options andpull-down menus, might include brands that are paying to be listed, orbrands that are qualifying to be listed as determined by the publisher.Meaning, the value of controlling such a database for a firm such as apublishing company, includes the ability to provide incentives toadvertisers (or selected companies,) to be included in lists that wouldmake their brand, product or service a visible option to members andusers, increasing the likelihood of their brand and product being listedand referenced in searches by users.

Further, selected brands meeting criteria determined by the publisher inthis case, (or owner of the database in a broader sense,) may have theirbrand or name listed in bold and featuring a direct LINK to their ownsite, meaning that the site based on the present invention couldpotentially draw clients and buyers directly to selected brands'information and/or e-commerce sites, at the user's option. Further,members and/or users who input selections specific to brands meetingcriteria of the database owner, may be prompted to allow for materialsor other solicitations to be sent to them by selected brands, orproduct/service providers. Whether cooped with a publisher, a separateconventional search engine, or other property including e-commercesites, configurations of the present invention for Internet applicationare many.

Enormously valuable ADVERTISING means are created that transcendexisting Internet advertising options, as the present invention targetsthe messages with not only demographic specificity, but content andtopic relevance to each individual user, or searcher. The option ofsearch-relevant FACTOIDS which includes advertising as an aspect of astatistic from the database relevant to the searcher, relevance being aoption determined by the database configuration, could provide newinterest around advertising messages—each message seemingly personallycreated and recalled for each searcher/user. These advertising optionsand values are demonstrated in an example SEARCH in the SCREEN diagramsenclosed. Beyond the ability to target searchers, the ability to connectwith members by posting and email means, are powerful:

This area of SERVICE to users and advertisers involves uniquely targetedEMAIL (FIGS. 9, 11 and 13,) messages usable by users or searchers andselectively by advertisers. The option of uniquely assembled, individualuser-relevant posting boards (FIG. 9.) As each searcher/user identifiestraits and preferences of relevance to their search, a constantlyrefined group of “most relevant” members to that search is assembled,and revised. With the option of “group e-mail” and group posting boards,messages may be sent by searchers/users selectively to members relevantto a particular phase of their search, to gain the most useful orrelevant feedback from the membership. For example, a searcher may wantto pose a question to the top ten relevant members who are within theirtrait-based demographic group, who are diabetic, or who feel FRANKSINATRA was the best male singer ever.

Message postings could appear in unique combinations, by topic or memberrelevance, as a searcher/user accesses boards. Should a searcher find apreference based topic to be the priority, the potential of posting orreviewing boards related to the topic from the entire databasemembership is an example of versatility in searching the preferredconfiguration of sites based on the present invention should embody.Naturally handpicked members could be sent messages selectively, as afunction of a closed e-mail system within a service site involving thedatabase of the present invention. Advertisers included based on theirdemographic desires and selectively by their relevance to a givensearch, may email and post to their “dream demographics,” and likelyhave their advertising received by the audience with interest andwillingness to read and “link.” This, because the interest level andrelevance to that member was predetermined to be above a selected level,or threshold, by parameters selectively determined as the construct ofthe database's categorization.

Further disclosure is included in the following presentation style“snapshot” of the invention as used in a configuration, called “SHOP BYPROFILE,” including a series of screen examples that demonstrate some ofthe options a SEARCHER might encounter while searching for preferenceinformation about a selected “type” of people who he/she has defined byselected trait variables, input by the SEARCHER. The SCREEN diagrams,which demonstrate an application of the present invention, are describedin the following, in a scenario that encounters and details many of theoptions for configuration based on the system and method of the presentinvention, including the versatility and value of the searchabledatabase options, and the advertising and revenue potential of anInternet site configured from aspects of the present invention.

The nature of the present invention is such that one skilled in the artof writing computer executable code (software), will be able toimplement the described functions using one or a combination of popularcomputer programming languages such as “C++”, Visual Basic, Java or HTMLand/or web application development environments. As discussed above, oneof the functions performed by the system is operation as a web site.

A web site typically communicates with web browsers using the hypertexttransfer protocol (HTTP) to send and receive data including hypertextmark-up language (HTML) web page data and executable JAVA Applets. Ofcourse, any known data transfer protocol and web siteconfiguration/definition language can be used to implement the presentsystem as shown in the accompanying figures.

Although the present invention is described by way of example herein interms of a web based system using web browsers and a site processors,the system is not limited to that particular configuration. It iscontemplated that the system can be arranged such that user terminalscan communicate with, and display data received from the system usingany known communication and display method, for example, using anon-Internet browser WINDOWS viewer coupled with local area networkprotocol such as Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX).

As shown in FIG. 18, the system in accordance with the present inventionincludes one or more site processors 110, one or more user terminals 120and one or more supplier processors 130 coupled together throughcommunication network 145.

Although shown as a single communication network, communication network145 can be comprised of multiple interconnected networks, for examplethe Internet. As such, communication network 145 can be anycommunication network, but is typically the Internet or some otherglobal computer network. Communications between the elements of thepresent system can be implemented using any known arrangements foraccessing the communication network 145, such as dial-up serial lineinterface protocol/point-to-point protocol (SLIP/PPP), IntegratedServices Digital Network (ISDN), dedicated leased-line services,broadband (cable) access, frame relay, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL),asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) or other access techniques.

The user terminals 120 have the ability to send and receive data acrosscommunication network 145, and the ability to display the received dataon a display device using appropriate communication software such as anInternet web browser. By way of example, terminal 120 may be a personalcomputer such as an INTEL PENTIUM-based computer or an APPLE MACINTOSHcomputer, but is not limited to such. Other such terminals which cancommunicate using a global computer network such as palm top computers,personal digital assistants (PDAs) and mass-marketed Internet accessdevices, i.e., WEB TV, can be used.

Accordingly the user terminals 120 provide access to the site processor110 for the purpose of accessing the electronic architecture (databaseand database management system) of the present invention. The systemsoftware which controls the above-described functions relies primarilyon the one or more site processors 110. Site processors 110 typicallycommunicate with network 145 across a permanent i.e., unswitched,communication link. Permanent connectivity ensures that access to server110 is always available to terminals 120.

Site processors 110 can be any appropriately sized computing platform,the storage, processing and other functional capacities of which aredetermined based on expected user activity and data storagerequirements. For example, site processors 110 can be server-typepersonal computers, mini-computers such as UNIX-based servers, and evenmainframe computers.

Supply processors 130 are preferably owned and maintained by theentities of supplying goods and services for marketing. Supplyprocessors 130 are preferably used for receiving demographics, marketingand sales data from site processors 110 and for providing corporate,product and service and other relevant information to site processors110, terminals 120 and LIVE SHOW processors 140. Further, orders forgoods and services placed by users via user/player terminal 120 can beaccepted directly from user terminals 120 or via site processors 110.

As shown in FIG. 19, the functional elements of each site processor 110preferably include a central processing unit (CPU) 150 used to executesoftware code in order to control the operation of the server, read onlymemory (ROM) 160, random access memory (RAM) 170, at least one networkinterface 180 to transmit and receive data to and from other computerdevices across communication network 145, storage devices 190 such as ahard disk drive, floppy disk drive, tape drive, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and thelike for storing program code, databases and application data, and oneor more input devices 100, such as a keyboard and mouse.

The various components of site processor 110 need not be physicallycontained within the same chassis or even be located in a singlelocation. For example, the database on storage device 190 may be locatedat a site which is remote from the remaining elements of site processor110, and may even be connected to CPU 150 across communication network145 via network interface 180.

Terminals 120 and supply processors 130 are preferably comprised of thesame or subset of the functional components described with respect tothe site processors 110. Of course, the functional components of thesedevices are sized to accommodate capacities appropriate for their usage.For example, terminals 120 may include more sophisticated displays anddisplay driving hardware than the other elements, but may contain asmaller storage device, and less powerful CPU 150 than the othercomponents. Also, supplier processor 130 may contain a more powerful CPU150 than site processor 110, especially in the case where supplierprocessor 130 is implemented by a large corporation with a sophisticatedInternet presence.

Although the present invention has been described in relation toparticular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modificationsand other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It ispreferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by thespecific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

1. A method for identifying and contacting an individual via a networkcomprising the steps of: (a) storing, on one or more processor readablemedia that are operatively coupled to one or more processors, at leastone database comprising: (i) electronic trait information comprisinginformation representing traits of a plurality of persons; (ii)electronic preference information comprising information representingpreferences of the plurality of persons; (iii) electronic identificationinformation comprising at least one of visual and audio informationrepresenting at least one person of the plurality of persons; and (iv)electronic advertiser relevant information comprising informationrelated to one or more of products and services associated with one ormore advertisers and further related to at least one of trait andpreference valued by at least one of the one or more advertisers; (b)receiving, via a communication device that is operatively connected tothe one or more processors, a first electronic request for information,from a first user computing device operated by a first user, about atleast one person within a first demographic, wherein the firstdemographic is defined by at least a first group of one or more oftraits and preferences stored in the at least one database; (c)determining, by the one or more processors, first electronic responsiveinformation that comprises information which is at least responsive tothe first electronic request; (d) transmitting, via the communicationdevice to the first user computing device, the first electronicresponsive information; (e) generating, by the one or more processors,first electronic fact information based upon at least a determinationthat electronic trait information and electronic preference informationassociated with the first user corresponds with the at least one oftrait and preference valued by the at least one of the one or moreadvertisers, wherein the first electronic fact information is generatedusing at least the advertiser relevant information, wherein the firstelectronic fact information includes a brand of the at least one or moreadvertisers and relates to the first electronic responsive informationand further relates to a second demographic defined by at least a secondgroup of one or more of traits and preferences stored in the at leastone database, wherein no person within the first demographic is withinthe second demographic, and further wherein at least one trait orpreference of the second demographic is not included in the firstdemographic defined by the first request for electronic information; (f)transmitting, via the communication device, to the first user computingdevice, the first electronic fact information and first electronicidentification information selected from the electronic identificationinformation and that represents at least one of the plurality of personswho is within the second demographic; (g) receiving, via thecommunication device, from the first user computing device, messageinformation for one of the at least one of the plurality of persons whois within the second demographic; and (h) transmitting, via thecommunication device, the message information to a second user computingdevice associated with the one of the at least one of the plurality ofpersons who is within the second demographic.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the method for searching is performed on at least one selectedfrom a group consisting of: at least one wide area network, at least onelocal area network, and the Internet.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the steps of: (i) determining, by the one or more processors,second electronic fact information that comprises information related toat least one or more of traits and preferences of the first demographic;and (j) transmitting, via the communication device, to the first usercomputing device, the second electronic fact information.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first electronic fact information furthercomprises a second electronic request for information valued by the atleast one of the one or more advertisers.
 5. The method of claim 4,further comprising the step of: (i) receiving, via the communicationdevice, second electronic responsive information, from the first usercomputing device operated by the first user, wherein the secondelectronic responsive information is at least responsive to the secondelectronic request.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the advertiserrelevant information is paid for by the at least one of the one or moreadvertisers.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first electronic factinformation is paid for by the at least one of the one or moreadvertisers.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first electronic factinformation further comprises at least one statement of fact thatcomprises at least one trait or preference from the second demographicthat relates to at least one brand of good or service associated withthe one or more advertisers.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the first electronic responsive information and the firstelectronic fact information comprises a link to a website operated bythe one or more advertisers in connection with the advertiser relevantinformation.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of step(e) further comprises correlating the electronic trait information andthe electronic preference information associated with the first userwith the at least one of trait and preference valued by the at least oneof the one or more advertisers.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein theelectronic trait information and the electronic preference informationassociated with the first user is stored in the at least one database.12. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the electronic traitinformation and the electronic preference information associated withthe first user is identified in response to electronic informationprovided from the first user computing device.
 13. The method of claim1, wherein at least some of the first electronic fact information isprovided electronically by an advertiser.
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein the first electronic fact information further compriseseditorial comments with Internet links.
 15. The method of claim 1,wherein at least one trait or preference of the second demographic isincluded in the first demographic.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein atleast one trait or preference in the second group is not relevant to theat least one of trait and preference valued by the at least one of theone or more advertisers.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein at least onetrait or preference in the second group is relevant to the at least oneof trait and preference valued by the at least one of the one or moreadvertisers.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting stepsof steps (d) and (f) occur at substantially the same time.
 19. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the transmitting steps of steps (d) and (f)occur at different times.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein thetransmitting steps of steps (d) and (f) are combined as a singleoperational step.
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining andgenerating steps of steps (c) and (e), respectively, are performed atsubstantially the same time.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein thedetermining and generating steps of steps (c) and (e), respectively, areperformed at different times.
 23. The method of claim 1, wherein thedetermining and generating steps of steps (c) and (e), respectively, arecombined as a single operational step.
 24. The method of claim 1,wherein at least one of the transmitting steps of steps (d) and (f) isperformed prior to the generating step of step (e).
 25. The method ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the transmitting steps of steps (d) and(f) is performed subsequent to the generating step of step (e).
 26. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the steps of (i) and (j) occur before thestep of (e).
 27. The method of claim 3, wherein the steps of (i) and (j)occur after the step of (e).
 28. The method of claim 3, wherein thesteps of (i) and (j) occur after the step of (f).
 29. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first electronic fact information further comprisesinformation which has not been requested by the first user computingdevice.
 30. The method of claim 1, wherein the one person within thesecond demographic is a type of person having at least one of the traitsor preferences defined in the second demographic.
 31. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the one person within the second demographic is oneparticular person.
 32. A system for identifying and contacting anindividual via a network, the system comprising: (a) one or moreprocessor readable media; (b) one or more processors operatively coupledto the one or more processor readable media; (c) at least one databasestored on the one or more processor readable media, the at least onedatabase comprising: (i) electronic trait information comprisinginformation representing traits of a plurality of persons; (ii)electronic preference information comprising information representingpreferences of the plurality of persons; (iii) electronic identificationinformation comprising at least one of visual and audio informationrepresenting at least one person of the plurality of persons; (iv)electronic advertiser relevant information comprising informationrelated to one or more of products and services associated with one ormore advertisers and further related to at least one of trait andpreference valued by at least one of the one or more advertisers; (d)the one or more processor readable media having instructions for causingthe following steps to be performed by the one or more processors: (i)receiving, via the communication device that is operatively connected tothe one or more processors, a first electronic request for information,from a first user computing device operated by a first user, about oneperson within a first demographic, wherein the first demographic isdefined by at least a first group of one or more of traits andpreferences stored in the at least one database; (ii) determining, bythe one or more processors, first electronic responsive information thatcomprises information which is at least responsive to the firstelectronic request; (iii) transmitting, via the communication device tothe first user computing device, the first electronic responsiveinformation; (iv) generating, by the one or more processors, firstelectronic fact information based upon at least a determination thattrait information and preference information associated with the firstuser corresponds with the at least one of trait and preference valued bythe at least one of the one or more advertisers, wherein the firstelectronic fact information is generated using at least the advertiserrelevant information, wherein the first electronic fact informationincludes a brand of the at least one or more advertisers and relates tothe first electronic responsive information and further relates to asecond demographic defined by at least a second group of one or more oftraits and preferences stored in the at least one database, wherein noperson within the first demographic is within the second demographic,and further wherein at least one trait or preference of the seconddemographic is not included in the first demographic defined by thefirst request for electronic information; (v) transmitting, via thecommunication device, to the first user computing device, the firstelectronic fact information and first electronic identificationinformation selected from the electronic identification information andthat represents at least one of the plurality of persons who is withinthe second demographic; (vi) receiving, via the communication device,from the first user computing device, message information for one of theat least one of the plurality of persons who is within the seconddemographic; and (vii) transmitting, via the communication device, themessage information to a second user computing device associated withthe one of the at least one of the plurality of persons who is withinthe second demographic.
 33. The system of claim 32, wherein the networkis at least one selected from a group consisting of: at least one widearea network, at least one local area network, and the Internet.
 34. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein the one or more processor readable mediafurther have instructions for causing the one or more processors toperform the steps of: (d)(viii) determining, by the one or moreprocessors, second electronic fact information that comprisesinformation related to at least one or more of traits and preferences ofthe first demographic; and (d)(ix) transmitting, via the communicationdevice, to the first user computing device, the second electronic factinformation.
 35. The system of claim 32, wherein the first electronicfact information further comprises a second electronic request forinformation valued by the at least one of the one or more advertisers.36. The system of claim 35, wherein the one or more processor readablemedia further have instructions for causing the one or more processorsto perform the step of: receiving, via the communication device, secondelectronic responsive information, from the first user computing deviceoperated by the first user, wherein the second electronic responsiveinformation is at least responsive to the second electronic request. 37.The system of claim 32, wherein the advertiser relevant information ispaid for by the at least one of the one or more advertisers.
 38. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein the first electronic fact information ispaid for by the at least one of the one or more advertisers.
 39. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein the first electronic fact informationfurther comprises at least one statement of fact that comprises at leastone trait or preference from the second demographic that relates to atleast one brand of good or service associated with the one or moreadvertisers.
 40. The system of claim 32, wherein at least one of thefirst electronic responsive information and first electronic factinformation comprises a link to a website operated by the one or moreadvertisers in connection with the advertiser relevant information. 41.The system of claim 32, wherein the generating of step (d)(iv) furthercomprises correlating the electronic trait information and theelectronic preference information associated with the first user withthe at least one of trait and preference valued by the at least one ofthe one or more advertisers.
 42. The system of claim 41, wherein theelectronic trait information and the electronic preference informationassociated with the first user is stored in the at least one database.43. The system of claim 41, wherein at least one of the electronic traitinformation and the electronic preference information associated withthe first user is identified in response to electronic informationprovided from the first user computing device.
 44. The system of claim32, wherein at least some of the first electronic fact information isprovided electronically by an advertiser.
 45. The system of claim 32,wherein the first electronic fact information further compriseseditorial comments with Internet links.
 46. The system of claim 32,wherein at least one person within the second demographic is within thefirst demographic.
 47. The system of claim 32, wherein at least onetrait or preference of the second demographic is included in the firstdemographic.
 48. The system of claim 32, wherein at least one trait orpreference in the second group is not relevant to the at least one oftrait and preference valued by the at least one of the one or moreadvertisers.
 49. The system of claim 32, wherein at least one trait orpreference in the second group is relevant to the at least one of traitand preference valued by the at least one of the one or moreadvertisers.
 50. The system of claim 32, wherein the transmitting stepsof steps (d)(iii) and (d)(v) occur at substantially the same time. 51.The system of claim 32, wherein the transmitting steps of steps (d)(iii)and (d)(v) occur at different times.
 52. The system of claim 32, whereinthe transmitting steps of steps (d)(iii) and (d)(v) are combined as asingle operational step.
 53. The system of claim 32, wherein thedetermining and generating steps of steps (d)(ii) and (d)(iv),respectively, are performed at substantially the same time.
 54. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein the determining and generating steps ofsteps (d)(ii) and (d)(iv), respectively, are performed at differenttimes.
 55. The system of claim 32, wherein the determining andgenerating steps of steps (d)(ii) and (d)(iv), respectively, arecombined as a single operational step.
 56. The system of claim 32,wherein at least one of the transmitting steps of steps (d)(iii) and(d)(v) is performed prior to the generating step of step (d)(iv). 57.The system of claim 32, wherein at least one of the transmitting stepsof (d)(iii) and (d)(v) is performed subsequent to the generating step ofstep (d)(iv).
 58. The system of claim 34, wherein the steps of (d)(viii)and (d)(ix) occur before the step of (d)(iv).
 59. The system of claim34, wherein the steps of (d)(viii) and (d)(ix) occur after the step of(d)(iv).
 60. The system of claim 34, wherein the steps of (d)(viii) and(d)(ix) occur after the step of (d)(v).
 61. The system of claim 32,wherein the first electronic fact information further comprisesinformation which has not been requested by the first user computingdevice.
 62. The system of claim 32, wherein the one person within thesecond demographic is a type of person having at least one of the traitsor preferences defined in the second demographic.
 63. A system foridentifying and contacting an individual, the system comprising: (a) aweb site linked to the internet being adapted to receive a firstelectronic request for information from a user of a first computingdevice in response to a prompt to perform a search, wherein the firstelectronic request is about at least one person within a firstdemographic; (b) a processor operatively coupled to the web site; and(c) one or more databases linked to the processor, the one or moredatabases containing data related to: (i) traits of a plurality ofpersons; (ii) preferences of the plurality of persons; (iii) at leastone of visual and audio information representing at least one person ofthe plurality of persons; and (iv) one or more of products and servicesassociated with one or more advertisers and further related to at leastone of trait and preference valued by at least one of the one or moreadvertisers; wherein the processor is adapted to: (1) identify the firstdemographic by at least a first group of one or more of traits andpreferences stored in the at least one database; (2) generate andtransmit to the first user computing device first electronic responsiveinformation that comprises information that is at least responsive tothe first electronic request; (3) generate, based upon at least adetermination that trait information and preference informationassociated with the first user corresponds with the at least one oftrait and preference valued by the at least one of the one or moreadvertisers, and transmit to the first user computing device firstelectronic fact information, wherein the first electronic factinformation includes a brand advertised by the at least one or moreadvertisers and relates to the first electronic responsive informationand further relates to a second demographic identified by at least asecond group of one or more of traits and preferences stored in the oneor more databases, wherein no person within the first demographic iswithin the second demographic, and further wherein at least one trait orpreference of the second demographic is not included in the firstdemographic defined by the first request for electronic information; and(4) receive from the first user computing device message information forone person within the second demographic and transmitting the messageinformation to a second user computing device associated with the oneperson within the second demographic.
 64. The system of claim 63,wherein the processor is further adapted to generate and transmit to thefirst user computing device second electronic fact information thatcomprises information related to at least one or more of traits andpreferences of the first demographic.
 65. The method of claim 1, whereinmessage is posted electronically to an electronic message board.
 66. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the message information is sentelectronically by e-mail message.
 67. The method of claim 1, wherein theat least one of visual and audio information comprises still images,motion images or both still and motion images.
 68. The method of claim1, wherein the first user shares no identified traits or preferenceswith the at least one person within the first demographic.
 69. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first demographic comprises at least onetrait and preference which is not shared by the first user.
 70. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein message is posted electronically to anelectronic message board.
 71. The system of claim 32, wherein themessage information is sent electronically by e-mail message.
 72. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein the at least one of visual and audioinformation comprises still images, motion images or both still andmotion images.
 73. The system of claim 32, wherein the first user sharesno identified traits or preferences with the at least one person withinthe first demographic.
 74. The system of claim 32, wherein the firstdemographic comprises at least one trait and preference which is notshared by the first user.
 75. The method of claim 1, wherein thetransmitting the first electronic fact information and electronicidentification information occur at different times.
 76. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the transmitting the first electronic fact informationand the first electronic identification information occur atsubstantially the same time.
 77. The system of claim 32, wherein thetransmitting the first electronic fact information and the firstelectronic identification information occur at different times.
 78. Thesystem of claim 32, wherein the transmitting the first electronic factinformation and the first electronic identification information occur atsubstantially the same time.
 79. The method of claim 1, wherein thetransmitting of step (f) further includes transmitting second electronicidentification information selected from the electronic identificationinformation and that represents a second one of the plurality of personswho is within the second demographic.